Conor Heffernan is Assistant Professor of Physical Culture and Sport Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, USA.

¿1. Introduction.- 2. Combating the 'Evils of Civilisation': Recreational Physical Culture in Pre-Independence Ireland.- 3. 'With this atmosphere of unrest and sinister rumours...': Military Physical Culture in Pre-Independence Ireland.- 4. 'The production and maintenance of health in body and mind': Educational Physical Culture in Pre-Independence Ireland.- 5. 'Physical culture is good for body and soul.': Recreational Physical Culture in Interwar Ireland.- 6. 'Embracing the Whole Gambit of Physical Exercise.': Interwar Military Physical Culture.- 7. "In Ireland the subject of physical training had perhaps, been neglected": Interwar Physical Culture in Schools.- 8. Conclusion: 'Physical Culture is Nation's Need.'.